ignition locked up

[penguin]

> newer cars all have this problem not just ford focus

Correct, but the Ford Focus has this problem much, much more often than most new cars.

Which is why Ford changed the design in 2005.

[knoxrocks222]

new ignition cylender 438 bucks with 2 new ford keys

[nahoul]

Hi, how soon can i get the IC?

[the_helepolis]

You can Unlock the steering wheels telescoping adjustment thing and sometimes that gives you enough give to turn the wheel left and turn the key. Also the tapping the key with a hammer gently works as well, and definetly worth trying before getting your car towed.

[bdewayne]

My iginition was just replaced by a locksmith for only $220. Ford wanted between $500 & $600. Only problem is that my ignition wouldn't freeze it just won't let the key come out, but it will still start and turn. Any ideas on why this would happen? Oh and btw...the ignition is BRAND new and the key is still stuck in there at this point in time.

[john29]

I seem to have a slightly different problem. I could start the car but couldn't remove the key. After taking the cylinder out, I could easily remove the key. It seems that the part that recesses a little inside the column isn't going in so I can't remove the key. In other words, I can take a screwdriver and start the car after the cylinder is out and easily take the key out of the cylinder. When I put the cylinder back in with the key, I can start the car and turn the car off, but not turn it far enough to the left (past the indentation) to remove the key. Any help? Will the new type cylinder work?
By the way, great instructions. Thank you!

[acerbis]

i need a replacement ignition. can someone give me a call or email me please. I tried pm but it didn't work. rerrett@hermanweissker.com or 760-964-2024 thanks

[nacnudv8]

I called an auto lock-smith last year and he showed me a good tip. If the key will not turn to the first position (needed I think to take the cylinder out) then he made a regular non-PATS key copy, snapped off the "handle" end and put it into a hand drill like a drill bit. He set the hand drill to a low torque or to "hamer" (to make the key really viabrate) and put the key in the hole and turned on the drill. It makes that viabration noise a hand drill does when the torque is reached and the key then turned!

All the rest was easy and no drilling was required to get the lock out

[bruinsh]

i had mine lock up totally and the way i got it moving again was with a rubber mallet. It created enough vibrations that the tumblers went back into place and the key worked enough so i could get the cylinder out. Try this before taking to a dealer!

Also can a admin make this a sticky thread since this is such a big problem with the focus?

[cwpc]

i just sent B16 a PM - my car has been sitting for 2 weeks since i cant get it started and my dad wants his truck back soon, so i am hoping he still offers the Ic's so i can get my car started